—Byron.
December was within three days of its close, and the people of Washington had chosen the night of the twenty-eighth for a grand ball and reception to the naval officers, whose victories had made their names historic.
Specially was Captain Stewart of the Constellation to be honored.
A brilliant company was gathered, and the White House never looked more lovely.
"Dolly" Madison was the mistress of the executive mansion, and we have all heard our fathers say how beautiful she was, and how charming as an entertainer.
Captain Hull of the victorious Constitution was present, and to add to the éclat of the occasion the captured colors of the Alert and Guerriere were draped on the wall.
Then there was a representation of the Constitution, rudely drawn, 'tis true, but it served the purpose.
Beneath it were the words:
"A bunch of pine boards, under a strip of striped bunting."
It wanted only a few minutes of midnight. The revelry was at its height.